A woman was sexually assaulted in a Great Barr park by a man who ‘limped’ away when she fought him off with her handbag.

Police are appealing for help to trace the offender, who struck on January 8 in the wasteland area at the back of Cardington Avenue.

He approached the victim, a 34-year-old woman, as she walked along the well known cut-through at around 5:50pm.

She hit him with her handbag and screamed as he tried to grab her, which prompted him to run away.

The victim described him as having a ‘funny’ run, hopping or limping as if he had a bag leg.

He was a white man, between 5ft 8ins and 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build and in his 20s or early 30s. He wore dark casual clothing, a scarf which covered his face and a baseball cap, possibly with a Nike logo, pulled down over his eyes.

The man’s accent was not strong but his voice was high pitched.

PC Kim Fenney, from Birmingham police, said: “Thankfully the victim was unharmed but she was clearly shaken by the ordeal.

“The offender had some unique characteristics which I’m hoping someone will recognise – the Nike cap, the limp and the high pitched voice.

“Do you recognise the description? We need you to come forward and speak to us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.